The Most Underrated Skill in Security: Communication

Why Communication Matters: Every aspect of protection depends on communication. Whether it’s giving clear direction to teammates, relaying updates over the radio, or interacting with a Principal, your words set the tone. The stakes are especially high when dealing with Principals. One careless remark or inappropriate comment can instantly end a career.

Where Training Falls Short: Despite its importance, communication is often undervalued in EP training. It’s usually touched on briefly, if at all, when in reality it should be a core focus. Scenario-based training, practicing real conversations, client interactions, and even moments of silence, prepares professionals for the situations they’ll actually face. Without it, agents are left to learn through mistakes, and mistakes in this field are costly.

Common Mistakes: One of the most common errors among new agents is over-communicating. Filling every silence with chatter, using law enforcement jargon around clients, or talking too much during confined moments, such as when driving or in an elevator one-on-one, can quickly damage trust. Knowing when not to speak is just as critical as knowing what to say.

On the other side, poor or sloppy communication within a team can cause confusion, missed details, or unnecessary tension. While the consequences may not always be career-ending, they can erode teamwork and efficiency.

Professionalism Above All: Communication with colleagues and clients both matter, but the consequences are different. Missteps with teammates might cost you respect. Missteps with Principals can cost you the job. That’s why professionalism should be the standard in every interaction, regardless of who is listening. Even casual conversations with coworkers should be handled as if the Principal could overhear them at any moment.

Building Better Habits: The good news is communication can be trained like any other skill. Running scenarios with teammates, practicing how to brief a client, and rehearsing responses to emergencies are practical ways to sharpen this ability. Written communication is equally important, reports and emails create a permanent record of your professionalism, or lack of it.

At the end of the day, the best advice is simple: remain professional at all times. Don’t force conversations with principals. Don’t overshare. Don’t seek feedback, in protection, silence usually means success.

The Takeaway: Strong communication doesn’t just support protection, it defines it. The wrong word can undo years of credibility, while the right approach builds trust, respect, and effectiveness.

Communication is the most used tool in executive protection, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how well you’ve trained to use it.